Gradient model versus mosaic model of the sinoatrial node

A radical reinterpretation (mosaic model) of the makeup of the sinoatrial (SA) node has been proposed to explain the characteristic regional differences in electrical activity between the periphery and center of the SA node. According to the mosaic model, the differences result from a change in the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2001-01, Vol.103 (4), p.584-588
Main Authors: ZHANG, H, HOLDEN, A. V, BOYETT, M. R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Atrial Function
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Cardiology. Vascular system
Heart
Heart - physiology
Heart Atria - cytology
Medical sciences
Models, Cardiovascular
Rabbits
Sinoatrial Node - cytology
Sinoatrial Node - physiology
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Summary:A radical reinterpretation (mosaic model) of the makeup of the sinoatrial (SA) node has been proposed to explain the characteristic regional differences in electrical activity between the periphery and center of the SA node. According to the mosaic model, the differences result from a change in the mix of atrial cells and uniform SA node cells from periphery to center, whereas according to the alternative gradient model, there are no atrial cells within the functional SA node, and the differences result from a change in the intrinsic properties of SA node cells from periphery to center. A mosaic model of peripheral and central tissue has been constructed computationally by use of a coupled ordinary differential equation network (CODE) in a 2D lattice (20x20), with each node of the lattice designated randomly as an atrial cell or SA node cell (in correct proportions for periphery and center). The mosaic model fails to predict the characteristic differences in action potential rate and shape between the periphery and center, whereas the existing gradient model can do so. The mosaic model of the SA node is untenable, and the SA node is adequately described by the gradient model.
ISSN:0009-7322
1524-4539
DOI:10.1161/01.cir.103.4.584